Dysentery Cases Surge Among Portland’s Homeless Population

PORTLAND, Ore. — A recent surge in dysentery cases in Portland, Oregon, has raised alarms among public health officials, particularly as the outbreak disproportionately affects the city’s homeless population. In January alone, 40 confirmed cases of dysentery were reported in the area, contributing to a total of 158 cases in Multnomah County throughout 2024, according to local health authorities.

Dr. Amanda Risser, a senior medical director at Central City Concern, commented on the link between homelessness and the rise in cases, stating, “Any situation where [you are] unable to wash your hands regularly will put you at risk for [the bacteria which causes dysentery], and I think unsheltered homelessness certainly contributes to people just really not having places to do that.”

The upward trend of dysentery cases in Multnomah County has been notable since 2012. Data shows that cases more than doubled from 43 in 2022 to 96 in 2023, indicating an alarming escalation. This increase is further compounded by an apparent underreporting of cases, particularly among those experiencing homelessness.

Dysentery, caused by Shigella bacteria, can lead to severe symptoms including diarrhea—sometimes bloody—fever, and stomach pain. The disease spreads easily in unsanitary conditions, primarily through contaminated food and water. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes, “Shigella germs are in poop, so anything that gets contaminated by poop can potentially spread the germs.”

A lack of clean and accessible public restrooms may be exacerbating the problem in Portland, where only 116 public restrooms are available—many of which are locked during nighttime or winter months to prevent freezing. In June 2024, a report noted that over 11,000 individuals were experiencing homelessness in the area, highlighting the need for increased sanitation facilities.

While dysentery is typically treatable with antibiotics, health officials have discovered that the strains circulating in Multnomah County are resistant to standard treatments, complicating efforts to contain the outbreak. Public health measures are essential to not only curb the current outbreak but also prevent future instances of this contagious disease.